Jiu Tian Sui (31)

Chu Feng Qi trembled, his entire body flushed crimson like a boiled shrimp, his fingertips burning. He pursed his lips and whispered, barely audible, "Jiu Tian Sui, please spare this humble one..."

"...Please, Your Excellency..."

Chu Feng Qi's affection was not difficult to discern. Du Chao Gong had resided within the forbidden palace for over a decade, having witnessed countless vile deeds, even those far more shocking than illicit affairs.

Du Chao Gong lowered his head slightly. Within his line of sight was the other's flushed ear, and eyes so clear they seemed to peer into the very depths of one's heart, rippling like water at the slightest touch, both innocent and easily bullied.

"Spare you?"

He chuckled softly, his voice deep and unhurried, his warm breath mingling with a cool fragrance as it brushed against Chu Feng Qi's skin, almost at his ear.

The youth's emotions were purer and more intense than he had imagined. Even a cold-blooded and ruthless person like him couldn't help but wonder how such an untainted soul could exist in this cruel imperial court; it was truly a strange phenomenon.

Yet, Du Chao Gong still held little faith in what the youth called true affection.

Du Chao Gong had ascended to his current position, and if he were so easily swayed, he would have long since been crushed to dust. In this deep palace, there was no such thing as true affection, only mutual exploitation. If Chu Feng Qi were someone easily exploited and controlled, he possessed a hundred thousand stratagems to deal with him.

He smiled, sighing softly, "Tell me, why do you beg for mercy?"

Chu Feng Qi did not know what Du Chao Gong thought of him; if he did, he would not be troubled, but rather find it a good thing.

He knew well that Du Chao Gong had lived a perilous life, treading on thin ice, for many years. Even with his surging emotions, Chu Feng Qi would do nothing that would force the other to break his own fangs and claws.

Hearing this, his breathing grew more ragged, his tongue resting between his teeth, wanting to speak yet hesitating. After a long moment, he still bowed his head, "This humble one's service is clumsy; I beg Your Excellency's forgiveness."

Seeing the youth on the verge of collapse, Du Chao Gong's expression remained unchanged. His gaze fell upon the spoon of sweet cake. He parted his red lips slightly and took a bite. The sound was so clear that Chu Feng Qi could imagine him taking it into his mouth and slowly biting down, based on the vibration and force on the spoon.

That imagined scene made the youth dare not lift his head. He knew that with just a slight glance, he could see Du Chao Gong's lips, and he also knew his heart was restless, so he dared not look carelessly. His breath was hot, his eyelashes trembled, and he retracted his hand, then scooped another spoonful and brought it to the same spot. His demeanor was both pitiful and endearing, obediently following his master's command.